#US Marines vs Filipino Soldiers

[phgq]

Sobejana can lead AFP amid fight vs. insurgency, terrorism: PRRD

#PHnews: Sobejana can lead AFP amid fight vs. insurgency, terrorism: PRRD

MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday expressed confidence that newly-installed Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana would lead the military to new heights to address threats to the country’s peace and security.

In a speech at the Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, Duterte welcomed Sobejana as AFP chief after thanking outgoing chief Gen. Gilbert Gapay for his successful tour of duty.

“I am confident that under Lt. Gen. Sobejana’s leadership, the AFP will achieve even more milestones in the campaign to address the insurgency and terror, and put an end to all these threats to our national security,” he said.

Duterte enjoined government troops, under Sobejana’s leadership, to continue being vigilant and pro-active in performing his duties.

“It is my hope that this new beginning will ensure a more fruitful collaboration as we strive to be a source of great moral strength to our people,” he added.

He also assured the government’s full support for the promotion of the military’s improved welfare as well as the upgrading of their capabilities in securing the safety of the people.

“As keepers of peace and order, you are instrumental in building a safe environment where our people can live without fear from lawless elements,” he said. “Through our joint effort in building the road to recovery during the pandemic, I am confident that we will move closer in achieving our shared aspirations for a better and stronger Philippines.”

Courage, compassion

Meanwhile, Sobejana said the country's strength lies in the courage and compassion of all Filipinos.

"History certainly teaches us that our country's strength lies in our country men's courage and compassion. These values are surely ingrained deeply in the Filipino spirit, empowering us to push our personal boundaries to be of service to one another," he said in his assumption speech.

During time of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, calamities and other security challenges, Sobejana said Filipinos should bring out the best in themselves and "demonstrate our resiliency."

"We must remain steadfast as a nation united by a dauntless spirit that never give up but continue to fight on," he said.

As the newly-installed AFP chief, he implored every Filipino to be one with be one with "every solder, sailor, airmen, marine and civilian human resource of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in our fight against the enemies of the state and other threats."

He also believes that with unity and conviction, the country and its people can attain victory.

"This is a collaborative project. It requires the commitment, dedication and support of everybody, the military, the civil government and the people as a whole. We will adopt the whole-of-the nation approach to end the local armed conflict. Through this convergence, we shall nurture the concept of peace and progress," he said. "Peace meaning people empowerment in addressing conflict environment and progress as patriotic response to opportunities geared to reinvigorate an economically sustainable society.”

He also assured the public that all their soldiers, airmen, sailors, and marines of the AFP will do their job following the rule of law, give due respect to human rights and strictly adhere to the provisions of the International Humanitarian Law.

"And in all that we do, we will exemplify the AFP's core values of honor, service and patriotism as well as uphold our core purpose of protecting the people and security the state and before I end, I am pleased to let you know that in the name of public service, your AFP is neither above nor below you, we are always beside you," Sobejana said.

Sobejana, a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Hinirang Class” of 1987, is the commanding general of the Philippine Army since July last year.

He also commanded the Joint Task Force Sulu, the Maguindanao-based 6th Infantry Division, and the Western Mindanao Command.

Sobejana is also a recipient of the Medal of Valor, the country’s highest military award that is equivalent to the Congressional Medal of Honor of the United States.

He earned his Medal of Valor award in 1995 after leading the fight with an estimated 150 Abu Sayyaf terrorists in Isabela town in Basilan despite sustaining crippling wounds in the encounter. (PNA)

***

References:

* Philippine News Agency. "Sobejana can lead AFP amid fight vs. insurgency, terrorism: PRRD." Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1129682 (accessed February 05, 2021 at 04:32AM UTC+14).

* Philippine News Agency. "Sobejana can lead AFP amid fight vs. insurgency, terrorism: PRRD." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1129682 (archived).

[concernedcitizendvo]

TRILLANES AND HIS CO-MAGDALO GUY CAN'T BE TRUSTED

There are so much things in life that Senator Antonio Trillanes IV can't be trusted, same goes with his co-Magdalo guy Congressman Gary Alejano who are high critics of President Rodrigo Duterte's administration and the government itself. Well, likely, they do much collateral damage in order to make the government worse, just so they can do the things they want to do, desparately. Literally.

How can a soldier and his company do in making much collateral damage to the 2 coup attempts in order to oust then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo because of their needs that is quite questionable that still remains questionable. Why, because of their illicit mindsets in which, they're like heroes of their own field, for which they had failed with the 2003 Oakwood Mutiny, and the 2007 Manila Peninsula Siege in which after they made their demolition job, it was like they are cowards when they surrender, and part of which all of the utensils, the drinking glasses, the things inside the hotel... they took it all.

In Duterte's speech in Qatar: "Kasi ginamit ni Trillanes, isa pa yung gago... di naman napalaban. Yun yung gagong nagwara-wara dyan sa Makati? Kasi mag-revolt daw sila, tapos sinira yung Peninsula... ninakaw lahat ng tinidor, baso, lahat ng inumin bago nagsurrender sa pulis. napakagago..."

"Kaya nga tinanong ko, 'Bakit ganun itong si Trillanes?' Sabi ng isang Navy, 'Sir, ang sikreto nyan, may alam ang doktor namin.'

Tinawagan yung doktor, ano bang problema na nandito (sa utak)? 'Eh sir hindi dito (sa utak) Mayor, sa ibaba.'

'Anong problema nya diyan sa baba?' Bihira, it's a very rare that the course about every 200,000, isa lang ang bayag."

"Kung totoo ka, ah, it's an abnormality. It occurs in every male population, 200,000 (two hundred thousand), may isa dyan. Ang problema, natanggap pa sa Navy, hindi hindi po yung..."

In Duterte's speech in Thailand last March of 2017, he said when referring about Trillanes: "Anong ginawa ng putang ina nya? Di ba nagrebelde? Dyan sa Makati nagwara-wara ng mga baril? Nagmartsa dun, inagaw yung Peninsula na hotel? Nagbarricade dun... pagdating ng pulis, ang mga duwag na ulol nagsurrender kaagad. Tapos naging senador, akala mo nagmamakalinis ang gago (referring to Trillanes)."

"Nagkokolekta yan sa mga malalaking negosyante. May writ, parang yan ang abogado na hindi abogado. Abogado, may retainer yan. Totoo yan, mga malalaking negosyo. Natatakot sa ganyan, napakaduwag yang putangina matakot kayo? Pagdating ng pulis, surrender kaagad? Akala ko ba makipagpatayan ka?"

Pagkanalang. If I'm not mistaken, when he was in prison last 2007 he ran for Senator as a guest candidate of the Genuine Opposition and won. On the same year, Trillanes walked out in the hearing at the Makati RTC for the case of rebellion, then the troupe took over the Manila Peninsula hotel when the negotiations failed referring to the ouster of then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Tssss. That's how stupid they were when they easily surrender like they were puppies. Spoiled brat pero atras galore ang lola nyo (referring to Trillanes).

2010, the Grant of Amnesty for Senator Trillanes made by then-President Noynoy Aquino... in which former Secretary Voltaire Gazmin had signed the Certification of Amnesty, the same year when the toy soldier freed from prison, then in 2011, the Senator had applied the amnesty in the DND Ad Hoc Amnesty Committee and admitted the crimes he had committed, but in which they had not declared the admission of the 2 coup attempts.

Now, President Duterte had revoked the Amnesty of Senator Trillanes, because it is VOID. VOID because it is invalid, the PNoy had signed the Amnesty of which he didn't -- instead, Gazmin had signed for it. How come? (Si Gazmin ra diay ang Presidente ato nga time niadtong nag-file ug Amnesty? MeysKowt.)

Now, the people in which they are involved in the life of the toy soldier-Senator... including his family. His mother was involved in the transactions of the military and earned money as a dealer, and also... his father. (May pinagmanahan pala ang Sundalong Kanin ah) His father had gambled all the money in which it was intended for the publication of the AFP-PNP Telephone Directory.

SHABBY FAMILY?😱

FIRST HAND COMMENT FROM COMMODORE VICENTE CEJOCO, AFP, PMA CLASS 82- 2013 OUTSTANDING FILIPINO SOLDIERS AWARDEE (TOPS).

"Trillanes belonged to the most junior and last class of PMA cadtes I handled at PMA as instructor in Engineering subjects. His father- Antonio Sr - PMA class 1959 - was the Asst J-6/ Deputy Chief COMMEL, AFP when I was the Commander of PMA COMMEL Company and the COMMEL Staff officer of GEN BIAZON during his stint as PMA Superintendent. Antonio Trillanes Sr always called Dumbguard Trillanes IV to report to my office after asking the PMA commandant - General Victor Garcia and General Narciso Abaya to release Antonio IV from any duty during Saturdays and Sundays. While his mistahs were dying in the hallways of Melchor Hall during company level punishments or mase-mase, Antonio IV was enjoying in my office cooking and eating lots of boodles along with his 3 room mates. Medyo may pagka shabby/ swapang rin ang mokong na ito. Yung tatay at nanay nya ay palagi umaakyat sa Baguio, sa kwarto ko sa office natutulog. Libre lahat - hatid sundo ko, pakain ko, etc. They usually arrive late Friday afternoon and depart early morning of Monday. When I reported for duty at the Office of the Chief COMMEL. AFP upon request of the Chief COMMEL, AFP. Antonio Trillanes Sr just retired and was a "dealer-supplier" of various items at GHQ, AFP. During those times, conversion and ghost deliveries were rampant and his father was able to convert DBM SARO to cash - the budget intended for AFP-PNP Telephone Directory publication. Unfortunately, that money was used as a bet in the casino and mahjong where Antonio Sr lost everything in a blink of an eyelash. Being new to the office, I never had any idea of what was going on in my office..... My first task then on my first week of duty was how to produce P 1.5 million cash to print the AFP Telephone directory at the time that the converted cash was already lost from Antonio Sr's gambling activities. Pagkamalas ko naman, kagaguhan ng Tatay ni Antonio IV ako ang nautusan maghanap ng pera kapalit sa nilustay ng kanyang tatay...I accomplished my task to produce funds and print the AFP Directory using funds I solicited from various commercial companies. This was upon orders of my superiors and all money solicited to the last centavo were properly accounted for. Swerte nya, perang nilustay ng Tatay nya, napalitan, ang kanilang kagauhan napagtakpan. His mother earned money as a "dealer" . She allegedly made magic bidding documents to corner contracts and convert SARO to cash..of course, she did these things .in cahoots with some crooked PN personnel.”

See? Even Senator Trillanes wouldn't admit the crime his family had committed, likely making up stories that his family is very kind-hearted, that they are not.

And the bald guy named Alejano, still makes critical attacks against the current government we have today. Likely, they don’t ever want to feel the change that President Duterte is trying to do for the Filipinos, and if they think they wasted the time and effort of our beloved President, well their supposed to-be President and sympathizers are wasting their money making desperate moves to oust the current administration.

What Alejano did to the country? Nothing! Same as Trillanes. Joined with the coup, same scenario, blah blah blah... Alejano is a military man but vying for power and being a part of the opposition, and joining the destabilization plot vs. President Duterte just so they want their president to continue the corrupt practices made by the Liberated LP Party... Tuwad na daan susmaryusep.

Anyways, back to Trillanes, President Duterte had revoked the Amnesty of the toy soldier because the Amnesty filed is really VOID. The revocation of the Amnesty of Senator Trillanes under Proclamation Number 75, series of 2010 (under PNoy) was signed by President Duterte under Proclamation Number 572, series of 2018:

"PROCLAMATION NO. 572

REVOCATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENSE AD HOC COMMITTEE RESOLUTION NO. 2(#1) DATED JANUARY 31, 2011 INSOFAR AS IT GRANTED AMNESTY TO FORMER LTSG ANTONIO TRILLANES IV

WHEREAS, Section 19, Article VII of the 1987 Constitution expressly authorizes the President of the Republic of the Philippines to grant amnesty;

WHEREAS, by virtue of Proclamation No. 75, series of 2010, an amnesty was granted to all active and former personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police as well as their supporters who have or may have committed crimes punishable under the Revised Penal Code, the Articles of War or other laws in connection with, in relation or incident to, the July 27, 2003 Oakwood Mutiny, the February 2006 Marines Stand-Off and the November 29, 2007 Manila Peninsula Incident who shall apply therefor, provided that amnesty shall not cover rape, acts of torture, crimes against chastity, and other crimes committed for personal ends;

WHEREAS, Section 2 of Proclamation No. 75, series of 2010, an Ad Hoc Committee of the Department of National Defense (DND) was tasked with receiving and processing applications, including opposition thereto, if any, for amnesty pursuant to this proclamation and determining whether applicants are entitled to amnesty pursuant to this proclamation. The final decisions or determination of the DND shall be appealable to the Office of the President by any party to the application;

WHEREAS, Proclamation No. 75, series of 2010 provides that the concerned AFP and PNP personnel and their supporters are required to file an application for amnesty under oath with the Department of National Defense (DND) ad hoc Committee;

WHEREAS, Sections 5, 6 and 11 of the DND Amnesty Committee (DND-AC) Circular No. 1 dated December 21, 2010, "The Rules and Procedures in the processing of Amnesty Applications pursuant to Proclamation No. 75, series of 2010," requires the applicants to personally fill up and file the Official Amnesty Application Form and expressly admit their guilt for the crimes committed during the Oakwood Mutiny, the Marines Stand-Off, and the Manila Peninsula Incident. DND-AC Circular No. 1 further requires the applicants to recant all previous statements inconsistent with the requirement of admission of that guilt;

WHEREAS, Section 14 of DND-AC Circular No. 1 mandates the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, JI, AFP, to provide and create a Secretariat to provide adminstrative assistance to the Committee in receiving and processing of applications for amnesty and any opposition thereto and the recording of minutes, reception of evidence and other documents presented during deliberations and hearings;

WHEREAS, the Supreme Court in the case of People of the Philippines vs. Vera, et al, declared that "a previous admission of guilt is necessary in amnesty since the invocation of amnesty is in the nature of a plea of confession and avoidance, which means that the pleader admits the allegations against him but disclaims liability therefor on account of intervening facts which, if proved, would bring the crime charged within the scope of the amnesty proclamation";

WHEREAS, at the time Proclamation No. 75, Series of 2010 was issued former LTSG Antonio Trillanes IV, O-11797 PN, was facing trial for a non-bailable offense of coup d e'tat in Criminal Case No. 03-2784 pending with the Regional Trial Court, Makati City, Branch 148;

WHEREAS, at the time Proclamation No. 75, Series of 2010 was issued former LTSG Antonio Trillanes IV, O-11797 PN, was also facing trial before the Military Tribunal for Mutiny or Sedition, Conduct Unbecoming an Officer and Gentleman, and all disorders and neglects to the prejudice of good order and military discipline, and all conduct of a nature to bring discredit upon the military service defined and penalized under Commonwealth Act No. 408, as Amended, otherwise known as the Articles of War;

WHEREAS, former LTSG Antonio Trillanes IV, O-11797 PN, a grantee under Proclamation No. 75, did not file an Official Amnesty Application Form as per the Certification dated August 30, 2018 issued by Lt. Col. Thea Joan N. Andrade, Chief, Discipline, Law and Order Divistion of the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, J1, stating that "there is no available copy of his application for amnesty in the records";

WHEREAS, former LTSG Antonio Trillanes IV, O-11797 PN, never expressed his guilt for the crimes that were committed on occasion of the Oakwood Mutiny and Peninsula Manila Hotel Siege, stating that "they were not admitting guilt to the mutiny and coup d'etat charges lodged against them both in the civil and military courts" and "I would like to qualify that we did not admit to the charge of coup d'etat or anything na i-finile sa amin kasi we believe na hindi iyon ang nararapat na i-charge sa amin";

WHEREAS, despite former LTSG Trillanes IV's failure to apply for amnesty and refusal to admit his guilt, his name was nonetheless included among those granted amnesty pursuant to DND Ad Hoc Committee Resolution No. 2 approved by former Secretary of National Defense Voltaire T. Gazmin;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Section 19, Article VII of the Philippine Constitution, do hereby DECLARE and PROCLAIM:

Section 1. The grant of amnesty to former LTSG Antonio Trillanes IV under Proclamation No. 75 is declared void ab initio because he did not comply with the minimum requirements to qualify under the Amnesty Proclamation.

Section 2. Effects.

1. As a consequence, the Department of Justice and Court Martial of the Armed Forces of the Philippines are ordered to pursue all criminal and administrative cases files against former LTSG Antonio Trillanes in relation to the Oakwood Mutiny and the Manila Peninsula Incident.

2. The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police are ordered to employ all lawful means to apprehend former LTSG Antonio Trillanes so that he can be recommitted to the detention facility where he had been incarcerated for him to stand trial for the crimes he is charged with.

Section 3. Effectivity. This Proclamation shall take effect immediately.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have signed this Proclamation and caused the seal of the Republic of the Philippines to be affixed to it.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 31st day of August in the year of our Lord, Two Thousand and Eighteen.”

Nganga na ang sundalong kanin. He cowardly don't want to take arrest because of his 'urong-sulong' tactics and the lamest excuse of not to come out of the Senate is "he is sick". Seesssss hilom dong oy! Pailad pa ka naa na kay something nga magtapang-tapangan ka oy unay manalawan ka? Don't us! We know your numerous alibis, just when you thought you have helped the country, you're not. And when you thought that you have filed almost all of the Senate Resolutions including the increased salary of the military and the police, think again. It is not only you, but other Senators who have initiated to file a Senate Bill for the increased salary, parehas kayo ni Bam Aquino credit-grabber.

Never again. Never again to the dilawans and the MagdaLOLs.

[phgq]

Duterte cites many ‘Rizals’ in fight vs. Covid-19

#PHnews: Duterte cites many ‘Rizals’ in fight vs. Covid-19

MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday likened healthcare workers in the frontlines against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) to national hero Jose Rizal, who was also a dedicated physician.

In his Rizal Day message, Duterte said he was inspired by healthcare workers for their “new expression of heroism” in the fight against an invisible enemy.

"Today, we see many 'Rizals' fighting for our people, this time against any unseen adversary -- a pandemic. We have our brave front-liners who continue to serve the nation in their unique capacities notwithstanding the risks to life and limb," he said.

He remembered Rizal for his bravery and patriotism, describing his life as one that not only needed to be celebrated but also emulated.

"He was a loving son, a good student, a dedicated physician, a passionate writer, and most especially a defender of our right to self-determination," he said.

Duterte also cited Rizal's "great aspirations" for the country and for using "the power of the pen" to convey sentiments against oppression and yearnings for emancipation.

"It ignited a strong sense of nationalism and revolution, he was successful. He was our hero," he said.

Duterte, meanwhile, expressed hope that Filipinos would express love and respect for the nation and follow the examples of Rizal and other modern-day heroes.

In a separate statement, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar described Rizal as a “beacon of hope, unity, patriotism, valor, and service to the country.”

“May Dr. Rizal’s legacy continue to burn within the hearts of every Filipino, especially now as we face the challenges brought by social ills, natural disasters, and the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.

He also remembered Rizal for dedicating his life not just to writing novels that influence consciousness and national identity, but also his work as a physician and a philanthropist, in service to his fellowmen.

“May we remain inspired by and continue to embody the values and principles that defined Dr. Jose Rizal -- his love for our country, compassion for others, and intellectual prowess -- as we collectively heal, recover, and rise as one nation,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also joined the nation in commemorating the 124th anniversary of Rizal's martyrdom.

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines is one with the whole Filipino nation in the peaceful and safe commemoration of Rizal Day. Your soldiers, airmen, sailors, marines and civilian human resources pay tribute to our national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, who exemplifies our organization’s core values of honor, service, and patriotism,” AFP chief of staff Gen. Gilbert Gapay said in a statement.

In line with this year’s theme; “Jose Rizal: Inspirasyon sa Pagbangon at Paghilom ng Bayan”, Gapay urged the public to draw inspiration from the national hero’s devotion and service to the country.

“The AFP wishes that Dr. Jose Rizal’s martyrdom will continue to motivate our people to better serve our country. The preservation of the state is an obligation of every citizen, especially now that we are in this challenging time of a pandemic,” Gapay said.

He added that Rizal’s noble acts to push forward patriotism, as well as his tireless efforts for continuous development, remain as premier attributes that the military emulates.

“We hope that each and every Filipino will draw strength and determination from what Dr. Rizal has fought for and accomplished to pave way for our nation’s independence and achieve lasting peace and security,” he said.

Rizal Day, a regular holiday, was first instituted with a decree issued by President Emilio Aguinaldo on Dec. 20, 1898, declaring Dec. 30 as the anniversary of Jose Rizal’s death. He was executed in Bagumbayan (now known as Luneta) on Dec. 30, 1896.

The first-ever celebration of Rizal Day in the Philippines was held in Manila on Dec. 30, 1898 by the Club Filipino which coincided with the unveiling of the first-ever erected Rizal monument in the town of Daet in Camarines Norte. (with reports from Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)

***

References:

* Philippine News Agency. "Duterte cites many ‘Rizals’ in fight vs. Covid-19." Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1125975 (accessed December 30, 2020 at 09:54PM UTC+14).

* Philippine News Agency. "Duterte cites many ‘Rizals’ in fight vs. Covid-19." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1125975 (archived).